Draper’s decorating style has always been a conversation starter. From Draper’s first work a century ago, people had strong opinions about her maximalist, modern baroque style. Most of the time it was favorable, but minimalists tended to balk. Either way, from the very moment Draper’s name was attached to a project, talk about it was found in the papers. In many ways, it was intentional. Dorothy’s work was art and art has always been something to discuss, creating a sense of interest and therefore, community.
This philosophy steered Draper, encouraging her to create some of her most iconic decorating elements, one of which was her signature high-contrast black Belgian and white Georgian marble checkerboard floor set at a diagonal. When it was initially done, some critics said it was ‘too modern’, but it became so synonymous with the Dorothy Draper & Co. brand that upon seeing such a floor, a person would automatically know it was a Draper design.
Are there any items in your home design that are conversation starters? Are there any elements you love and find yourself using in multiple spaces?
